Loneliness Lifebabble

Hey, Lifebabblers.

We all feel lonely sometimes,

but when it starts to make us feel very sad,

it's time to talk about it.

So today we're talking about loneliness.

Feeling lonely and sad isn't much fun.

It may happen if you feel you don't see or talk to anyone that often.

You can also feel lonely when you're surrounded by lots of people.

You may feel empty and isolated.

If you don't feel listened to, cared for or understood.

Lots of things cause loneliness.

You might feel you don't get along with friends and family.

You might feel that you don't fit in,

or that you don't feel great about yourself.

You might find it hard to make friends.

You might have moved somewhere new,

started a new school,

experienced a death or a change in your family situation.

No matter who we are, loneliness can happen to anyone.

Being alone is not the same as feeling lonely and sad.

So when someone spends a lot of time on their own,

even though they prefer to spend time with other people,

loneliness can set in and this can lead to feeling down.

If you're feeling like this most of the time,

you may need to get some help.

Reach out to a trusted adult and let them know how you're feeling.

It might not be easy to open up,

but it's good to give it a go.

PHONE RINGS

I started to feel lonely when everyone got obsessed with

playing football at break times, and I didn't want to.

I'd always be by myself and it felt rubbish.

People didn't mean to leave me out, but the lonelier I got,

the harder it was to join in.

Loneliness makes you feel like you're not a good person

and no-one likes you.

I had a big think and realised it was me, not everyone else,

who was making me feel lonely.

In every negative situation I turned that into a good situation,

and I made a big effort to be happy.

Feeling lonely can be a circle that's hard to break.

But there are positive things you can do.

Think about what is making you feel lonely.

This may help you find ways to address it.

Talk to a friend or family member about how you feel,

and get out and do fun stuff together.

How about joining a club or a group outside of school?

Remember, don't let loneliness stop you from connecting with people.

You don't know when someone's feeling lonely,

and saying "hi" may be just what they need.

If you notice someone often hangs out on their own, or looks sad,

check out if they're OK.

If someone's not keen to go home or wants you to stay,

they might need someone to talk to or just hang out with.

Keep a lookout for signs of loneliness.

You never know when you might make someone's day.

When I'm feeling lonely, I keep my chin up,

stay strong and find somebody to talk to.

My main advice would be don't dwell on it.

Just try to take your mind off it.

It can be hard, but it would really help.

I started working on my hobbies and doing things that I love.

It taught me self-love and it made me feel confident within myself.

When I feel lonely, I watch loads of videos on the internet.

Cat ones are the best!

# Things can get tough when you are alone

# It can take some courage to pick up the phone

# There's so many things to do outside

# You don't have to hide

# No matter the weather Things will get better

# People to deserve to see

# Just how wonderful you are

# And happiness is never far

# Away. #

That's all for this Lifebabble.

Remember, you're not alone.

If you need more info on how to deal with loneliness,

head to the CBBC website. And keep babbling!